Sneezing, runny nose and tearing after colonoscopy

Sneezing, running nose and tearing after colonoscopy

A study published in the Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology in 2011 confirmed that patients getting supplemental oxygen via nasal cannula during colonoscopy can develop symptoms of rhinitis. Symptoms of rhinitis include sneezing, rhinorrhea (runny nose), itchy nose, tearing.

These symptoms only occur in about 3% of patients.

The symptoms do not appear to be the related to seasonal allergies.

Symptoms can last a few days at times.

Treatment of these symptoms depends on the severity. For many, the symptoms will go away on their own. For some, treatment is necessary. Try humidifiers or saline nasal sprays first. Decongestants may help. Decongestants may be in tablet form like Sudafed or nasal spray like Afrin. Some people may benefit from an antihistamine nasal spray like Astelin or a steroid nasal spray like Flonase.

Over the counter antihistamines like Benadryl and Zyrtec do not seem to work well for this condition.

Rhinitis after colonoscopy is not life threatening and will eventually go away.

Can I prevent sneezing, running nose and tearing after colonoscopy?

If possible, limit oxygen supplemental rate to 2 to 4 liters per minute. This problem appears to occur more with higher rates of flow.

Use a face mask instead of nasal cannula if possible.

If you have had this problem before, be sure to inform your physician before your procedure.

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89 Comments

I have the described very uncomfortable symptoms after colonoscopy and wonder if it is necessary to give supplemental oxygen in the procedure.
I already felt discomfort once the oxygen started but passed out before I could communicate it to the nurse.
I feel the patient should be made aware of possible consequences and asked to consent.

Appreciate your comment. This condition is under-reported and therefore under-appreciated. You need oxygen during sedation to prevent hypoxia. Anesthetic agents (sedatives) can cause hypoxia. Not all patients suffer from this condition after colonoscopy. We need more research on who is prone to this condition. Perhaps, it should be mentioned as a possible adverse events.

I have this problem
I can’t stop sneezing my nose is running and I told the anesthesiaologist the o2 was too much and painful he said I quote “ don’t worry your pain will be gone and administered the anethisia medication” before I could respond again.

I had an endoscopy yesterday with oxygen administered via a mast. From the moment the mask was removed the sneezing and runny nose started. Last night I also had neuralgia. It is now 31 hours later and the runny nose is still outrageous and I can’t do anything because I must hold a tissue under my nose at all times. The sneezing has also continued but is improved. Extremely uncomfortable. The endoscopy was a piece of cake but the runny nose is awful.I

I have the same Issue. I just had an endoscopy/colonoscopy today, with the O2 tubes in my nose. I was not informed of any possible side effects of the oxygen administered. Immediately upon waking and so far 12 hours later, the sneezing started with a severe runny nose, Rhinitis! I thought it was my usual pollen allergy at first, but realized it was severe and worsening. When I researched this info online. I stumbled onto the cause being oxygen and not the propofol! Thank you. I just need a remedy and should have been Warned before the procedure!

I read this happens to around 3% of population following a surgical procedure. Yours was in July 2018 mine was February 19 all the other incidents in between yours and mine looks to be more than 3% and there seems to be around 40 complaints. These are only the ones we have heard about.

Oh no, I have it, too. Colonoscopy this AM. Told them immediately that the oxygen was burning my nostril, they said too bad and put me to sleep. Woke up back in the room with the oxygen still on, noticed my right nostril was stuffed and burning, asked to take it off, starting blowing my nose and haven’t stopped since. It is literally flowing like a faucet and still uncomfortable way up in the nasil passage. Also bothering my eye and my forehead. It is a flood. I tried flonase, didn’t help. I have to make this stop. I don’t have any decongestant, so I’ll have to wait until tomorrow. The canulla they used was really long and went way up into my nostril and only flowed into the right nostril. I looked online and there was a study about this, and it’s better when using a nasal mask. I just need help to make this stop. Can’t handle it!

Me too, had colonoscopy yesterday within half an hour after painless procedure I started sneezing and it has continued for almost 24 hours! Horrid! Reassuring to know it is a common side affect but can anybody tell me how long it will last – very embarrassing at work continuously sneezing!

Omg so I’m not the only one !!! Had a gastroscope this afternoon and literally as soon as I woke up I started sneezing !!! It’s progressively got worse all night to point I’m nearly crying with the throbbing in my left nostril along with the most awful tingling,aching n runny nose non stop ! I already have chronic sinus problems and when I woke up I told the nurse I couldn’t stop sneezing but not one of the staff seemed to be aware of this reaction ! Aghhh it’s like having the sinus headcold from hell !!!

Somewhat reassured it is a common problem, though it doesn’t take the growing discomfort away. Sneezing, streaming and feeling like my nostril is raw! Developed during the journey home this afternoon and now feels like full head cold – was not expecting this as a side effect!

I had 3rd Colonscopy today and have these same issues. Running nose and sneezing. Never happened prior. I have taken Benedryl which is helping a bit. Seems strange as I had oxygen prior and also for childbirth but never had this issue

Just had a colonoscopy today and my nose has not stopped running since. I am also sneezing constantly and my nose itches. I thought it was a cold at first until I read all of this. I hope it goes away soon because I didn’t want to do this in the first place. All was normal Which is good but I feel like I wasted my time and now I feel sick.

Just got home from a colonoscopy. It started with the sneezing and runny nose as soon as I woke up. Funny thing is I had read about this last night while studying up in side effects. Just had a endoscopy 3 weeks ago at the same hospital and same dr. And I have had several other colonoscopies before this. Never had this happen. Only affects 3% of patients. You might know I would be one! I am miserable, feels like I have a head cold! I just can’t believe this. It is worse in my right nostril and it is a constant tickle that makes me think I must sneeze.

Is there any consensus on how long this lasts? I had an endoscopy yesterday and upon waking, I started the same sensation of a tweaked nerve in my right nostril, tears pouring out with a swollen right eye, an incessant desire to sneeze, and incessant runny nose. I can’t see to drive and am out of work. 😖

I had my endoscopy 4 days ago and still have the stinging and burning and runny nose. I am taking claryntine which helps a little but this is driving me nuts. Has anyone else found relief with something? Help,,,😣

Same here, came on suddenly once awoke from nap on return home from colonoscopy. Right eye, nose teary and runny. Did noise spray to no avail, just took allergy pill veggie finding this online. Prep went easy but this is frustrating.

I’ve just had colonoscopy today and I don’t understand why the bung with tube is shoved up a nostril. I think that it is totally unnecessary and the reason why I am suffering so badly. I’ve never had an issue with local anaesthesia before but this is the first time I’ve had this oxygen shoved up one nostril which is not only painful but the nose is dripping all day and the sneezes are frequent. When I rang the hospital they said that this reaction is rare but just looking on the internet, I see there are many people who suffer this way. I suggested that on their feedback form that they have questions relating to how a patient is symptom wise after the event.

I also have this same issue after my colonoscopy yesterday. Started a couple of hours afterwards. Still sneezing and running nose and watering eyes today. My md office called to see how I was doing and I told her about my condition. She asked if it was a cold. I said I was sure it wasn’t and mentioned that I looked up online and this is a problem that occurs it seems with some patients due to oxygen use during procedure. She wasn’t aware of it either. Hope it stops soon. The constant sneezing it terrible. Can’t sleep

First and foremost, thank you for answering the question that I see many asking… approximately how long does this last. I had a colonoscopy around 2pm today. I was fine when they inserted the oxygen tubes into my nostrils but, as soon as the oxygen level was increased I smelled something different. I asked the anesthesiologist if that was the medicine to put me to sleep and was told no – it must be the oxygen that was just increased. When I woke from my procedure, I immediately felt a pain in my left nostril and ask the nurse for a tissue. Once I began to blow my nose to try and relieve the pain … I realized all of the symptoms that have been mentioned on this site. I thought that maybe the little oxygen tube that was on the leftside might have scratched the inside of my nose but, the nurse that placed the tubes in my nose was very gentle. So, after further research, I found this website / blog and my explanation. I find it hard to believe that this is not mentioned when an anesthesiologist speaks with you before a procedure. I understand that it apparently affects about 3% but, the way I feel right now … This is a symptom / side effect / annoyance / discomfort that should be mentioned pre-colonoscopy or pre- any procedure that a patient could be a part of the 3%.

Had my colonoscopy yesterday and started sneezing in recovery. Blew my nose all afternoon and night. Found this article and comments after googling my symptoms. Took a decongestant as suggested in the article and slept with small piece of cotton in my right nostril. Today is much better with no sneezing or blowing. The staff should let you know that this may happen.

So glad to have found this guide as it’s been so helpful. I find it hard to believe this is only 3% of folks getting this. I was telling my best friend and she had the same as well. I’m not an allergy person and I sneezed more in 36 hours than I have in 5 years. And runny nose, eyes, just like a cold. I read this late last night and didn’t have any saline/sinus spray, so I took some lip balm, which has coconut oil and aloe, and rubbed it inside my nose. Literally, on contact, the burning and feeling like someone was holding black pepper under my nose dramatically improved. So it must be like a burn from the o2 and moisturizing helps. Thanks so much for your posts.

Just read an NIH study that showed 7% of patients who had a nasal cannula for oxygen during endoscopy got the rhinitis. After very many endo and colonoscopy procedures, yesterday was the first time I woke up with non-stop sneezing while still on the table. The nurses didn’t know what was happening, but my doc quickly identified it. He thought it would abate in a few hours, but it is still bad and I had a tiny bit of bleeding in my left nostril this morning. I followed this article and started with saline spray that helped a bit then later a decongestant that got me through the night, then today Flonase. The sneezing abated (not sure if that is the result of the decongestant I took earlier or the Flonase) but still runny nose and eyes. Thank you for the post and commenters.

I had a colonoscopy yesterday and have been miserable ever since. My nose will not stop running – sneezing is constant – feel sick even though I was completely fine before I went in. Nostril burns and my eyes are watering. No idea how long it will last.

I remember feeling very distressed about the constant runny nose I had all symptoms like a cold headachey – I kept think I can’t work like this and I felt it would never end! But 3 days and all my symptoms vanished!

omg – thankful i found this as i am sitting here with a tissue up my left nostril from suffering all day yesterday …. after coming home from my colonoscopy !!! wondering do i have allergies or a cold … this blog was so helpful !!!!

I too had a colonoscopy yesterday and came home with a nasal sensation inside my left nostril. After about an hour I started sneezing, had constant watering eyes and nasal drip …. the drip was coming from the Left nostril ! I did a saline wash to both sides to get relief and it didn’t help. I ended up sticking kleenex up my nose ! Called the surgery center and dr this morning and of course neither contact had heard of such of thing. The clariton i took didn’t help .. thank god i found this blog …. i am part of the 3% LOL i will take decongestant tomorrow !

Yep,,lucky me! I’m one of the 3% this happens to. Immediately after waking up, the sneezing and runny nose began. I will report it this morning as it has been almost 48 hours later. It is a nuisance but not unbearable.

Glad I found all your comments. Had colonoscopy yesterday and thought I was going crazy. Who ever heard of runny eye and dripping nose from the procedure! As others said, lucky us the 3%. This is actually worse than the prep! I used a little Vaseline in my nose after a saline solution. It helped the raw feeling in my nose.

Thanks everyone for your post, I’m 48 hours pass my colonoscopy and still suffering from the onset of sneezing that I’ve suffered from since my procedure. And hopeful it will pass after learning I’m not alone or crazy.

I am 9 days after having a colonoscopy and endoscopy. Woke up with my nose so plugged I couldn’t breath. Then the running started–like water. As stated, it has been 9 days. Things are slightly better, but still can’t go out due to my nose not stopping. Not sure what to do t this point. Looking for suggestions.

Count me on post-endoscopy from yesterday. Sneezing started as I was leaving the hospital. Still have runny nose, like a faucet at times. Tickle in left nostril has lessened, but very annoying. They used a rather long cannula, and oxygen flow seemed high. Have had multiple colonoscopies without this condition. The one study does relate a higher incidence with longer Cannulae. This 3% incidence has to be low, mostly based on under-reporting. Thanks for everyone’s comments..

Glad to know I’m not over reacting. I had a colonoscopy this morning. I noticed a slight discomfort in my right nostril when the oxygen cannula was applied but I thought I was just anxious. On leaving the facility I noticed congestion in my right nostril and began having sneezing episodes. I took an antihistamine on arrival home. After awakening from a nap the sneezing episodes continued. I became concerned and contacted the doctor who said it is not common and recommended saline nasal spray stating that oxygen causes drying of the nostril. I didn’t have saline spray so used hot wet towel which helped some. This side effect after oxygen use during a procedure should be relayed to the patient. I wonder if the doctors take this seriously.

Had an endoscopy and colonoscopy this afternoon. My first endoscopy, third colonoscopy. I’ve been through 15 surgeries, including open heart valve replacement. I have never had an issue like this!
Painful left nostril, excessive sneezing, and a faucet-like flow. Who would have thought that I would feel worse after a “simple scope” than after having a bone saw cut through my sternum.

I’m so glad I found this article! Had an endoscopy today and in recovery my nose was stuffy and I felt as though I was having allergy symptoms. The tech shrugged and said the oxygen dries out your nasal passages. I am an RN and I know that to be true so I figured that was the problem. I got home and started sneezing with a runny and itchy nose. I used Flonase which helped a little but still having rhinitis. I always have odd ball side effects from drugs, etc, but now that I know others have experienced this, I know I’m not alone!

Had colonoscopy & endoscopy 3 months ago , to this day my left nostril still runny and left ease weepy, some days better than others, breathing in cold air makes it painful in left nostril.
Not happy !

My nose has a swollen place inside and been running like crazy. My eyes are tearing up like crazy. I’m trying to take different otc`s, but pain and runNY is terrible. Plus the anesthesia is keeping me jet lagged today.

Had my colonoscopy yesterday. Started sneezing constantly and nose drip constantly. Nurse said it was from the oxygen but they’ve never heard of that happening. Told me to take a decongestant. Didn’t really help. Drinking a lot of water. Called nurse again and none of them heard if this. Told me to call the dr who did the procedure. Before doing that, looked up online and found these comments. Glad it’s not just me. But what disturbs me is why do none of the nurses know what this is? Waiting for the dr office to call back. I’m also feeling more tired than normal. Definitely not congested and it’s frustrating. Just lots of sneezing since waking up after the procedure and still like this today. Not sure what to expect as far as how long this lasts?

Had an endoscopy this afternoon. sneezing and runny nose started just after in the recovery. Called doctor, they seemed to know nothing. I have lots of allergies to meds, so I was concerned I was having a reaction to something. They told me to take benedryl, It has not helped. I feel miserable.

Well count me in. Had colonoscopy today- actually yesterday since it is 1:02 AM now and I am still up. When the cannula was put in I felt discomfort in the right nostril but didn’t say anything before I was put to sleep. I started sneezing before I left the facility. First there is a pain in the nostril that starts like a tickle. Next my right eye waters and I have a forceful sneeze or two or three in a row. My right nostril is running constantly. I have tried Afrin moisturizing nasal spray, saline spray, and a antihistamine but no relief. I too am “wearing” tissue stuffed in the nostril. I have had previous colonoscopies and endoscopies, but never this reaction. Hard to believe this only happens 3 percent of the time. Thank you for everyone’s comments. Hope it goes away soon for us all.

Looks like I’m part if the club:( had colonoscopy yesterday and started sneezing 10 minutes after waking up. Runny left eye and constantly drippy nose. I felt the air in my nose was too forceful so I tried to move the cannula around. Then I fell asleep.
So annoyed! Colonoscopy went well and now I’m stuck with this.
Getting concerned from some posts that it will never go away!

It is outrageous that patients are not advised of these possible side effects and provided with guidance on how to lessen them.
Thanks to everyone for recording their experiences. I am going to give a copy to my gastroenterologist and the surgery center I went to for a colonoscopy.

OMG! This side effect has been driving me crazy all day since my colonoscopy! The burning constant runny nose, sneezing and headache has been worse than the actual colonoscopy!!! Praying this subsided by morning!

I Already commented, but my question is is this something new or has this been going on for years and nobody’s been able to comment technology wise in the past. Because this is crazy my nose is running constantly I have the public speak today and I don’t even think I can do that anyways just wondering

I too.was one of the lucky 3%. after an injection at L3 for a herniated disc, I woke up with constant sneezing, nose burning, mainly right side and constant flow of clear liquid from both nostrils. Ive tried Advil , Zyrtec ,nasaL sprays and now a hot moist heat pack on my face. I’ve never experienced this before. office staff was not to concerned. the moist heat pack seems to provide the most relief. hope it will be gone tomorrow . perhaps if they used humidified O2 this side effect could be eliminated.

How long until this goes away? I had egd done yesterday a few hours later nose running like a faucet and right nostil burning. I have a headache as well.
Woke up this morning still have headache, and burning nostril feels like a cold. After reading the comments I too believe it is from the oxygen.

I had my colonoscopy yesterday and have had an extremely runny nose and left eye tearing constantly since we left, and like everyone else, it is maddening! My eyelid and nose are so sore and it only stopped when I went to bed. But I can’t stay horizontal; I have too much to do. Dr’s office called back and they’ve never heard of it, either. I did use Afrin last night because I was so stopped up, maybe I’ll try again today. I have also noticed something on these replies. It looks like it’s ALL WOMEN? Maybe there’s a connection there?

I had my colonoscopy yesterday (this is my 4th colonoscopy/endoscopy) and this is the first time I’m having runny nose like everyone is describing here. I’ve read all comments looking to find solution but none was found. 99% of people reported suffering and longest sufferer is 5 months. Only one person found 100% relief after 4 days. If people could give update, that would be helpful to everyone who comes this this site looking for answers. I will bookmark this site and come back daily until I’m 100% normal again. Hope others will do the same. Thanks.

No more runny nose! Last night I applied chap stick using q-tip inside my nose and that did the trick. I usually apply chap stick on my lips before going to bed and it heals overnight so I though I give it a try inside my nostrils. I applied as deep as I can.
I’ve tried the following but it didn’t work for me: Flonase, saline, and Vaseline.

I stumbled on this while looking for suggestions for treating sneezing and running nose while using Flonase, and was shocked after reading because I just had a colonoscopy yesterday afternoon! Oh my goodness! I hope I’m one of the ones who gets relief after three days since we are traveling home for Christmas. The oxygen seemed too forceful, and the cannula hurt my nose. Now I have a really bad runny nose and congestion and sore throat and sneezing and painful sinuses. I did have bleeding from the nose, also. I hope I never need another colonoscopy, but if I do I will be sure to discuss this with my doctor. Thank you for sharing this!

Oxygen mask during colonoscopy 3 days ago, no cold symptoms going in, woke up with a head full of clear mucus. First thing I did was ask the nurse for tissues! Until I read all this, I didn’t think it was caused by the procedure. 24 hours later, mucus suddenly turned yellow and in the last 24 hours, has moved down to my bronchial area. Coughing all day and night.

Anybody else experience this? No sneezing, like you all have had. I did notice a chemical smell when the mask was put on. I wondered if I had a sinus infection and the positive airway pressure pushed bacteria down into my chest. Yet, I don’t feel like it is the flu or anything. Just an infection! Strange?

I had a colonoscopy this AM and afterwards after waking up and before leaving the surgery center my nose was watery and I was sneezing. I thought it was strange because I was feeling perfectly fine before the procedure. Now 11 hours later, I am still feeling terrible with the sneezing, dripping nose and tearing eye. I was glad to fine this information and know what’s happening. Tomorrow I will call the doctor and let them know. I have never experienced this before after a surgery. I appreciate everyone’s comments. Thank you.

Apply chap stick inside your nose using q-tip and go as deep as you can. It’s best to do it before going to bed and by morning you’ll feel better. Initially, you’ll sneeze more because you’ve touch sensitive area but it goes away.

Thank you for all comments! Nurses and doctors were not concerned about my reported sx of right nasal pain as soon as a reached full consciousness following minor foot surgery. Post-op caregivers shd be aware for no other reason than to offer PT reassurance. As pain worsened and my right nasal passage began to swell and close, I asked if there was something that could be swabbed in my nose to help – I was told no and provided a box of tissue. Pain is pain and should not be ignored or dismissed simply bc it’s source is unknown. Clinicians and staff should be aware of this simple fix.

Jennifer
Just had a colonoscopy on Thursday Jan. 31st. Today is Saturday Feb. 2nd and I am still in pain. The doctor and anesthesiologist said nothing to me about this possible side effect before going under. Woke up with uncontrollable sneezing. They all just shrugged it off and gave me a tissue. I have saline solution and a antihistamine. Hope by Sunday it will get better. Only thing that has been helping is a small piece of tissue up my left nostril. Hang in everyone!

Same thing happened to me once after endoscopy/colonoscopy and now after a kidney stone surgery. I read online that the oxygen drys out your nose and it will run until the moisture comes back. I know that sounds strange because my nose was running like a fauset. I tried sinus medicine but it didn’t work. Maybe because that dries out your sinuses too. Then I tried putting some neosporin on a q-tip and putting it inside my nose. It seems to be working!!! My nose feels better and I don’t feel like sneezing and it’s stopped running!!

I just had my third colonoscopy. First two I never had any issues. This time when I woke up my throat was extremely sore and I lost my voice. I started having breathing problems right after being released and went to the ER. The nurse said it sounded like bronchial issues. Oxygen levels and lungs were fine. I started coughing up small spots of blood while in the ER. Dr. in the ER said it was probably from my sinus. He told me to stop talking for 5 days, drink tea with honey etc. Today when the hospital called to do a follow up on the colonoscopy my husband asked what could have caused this, the nurse said it was probably something viral which I do not believe. My throat was fine prior to going in for the procedure.

I had a colonoscopy and gastroscopy today in South Africa, and am sneezing non-stop. The diagnosis of the gastroscopy was hiatus hernia, and now I am in such excruciating hernia pain from all the sneezing. Middle of the night, what can I do?

Thanks. My doctor gave me Phenergan. Not helping at all. My eyes are so swollen, and still sneezing, now 3 days later. He says it’s a preservative in the oxygen that so many are allergic to. Really not good.

My daughter had runny nose problem for many years. She didn’t have colonoscopy but since I had a good result applying chapstick inside the nose with q-tip, I told her to give it a try. Next day, her runny nose problem was gone!

I started sneezing,nose running a lot. It would not stop. Couldn’t figure out why since I was fine before the procedure. I didn’t have a cold. Like a burning sensation. It was irritation all night. Got up to use bathroom looked in the mirror and my eye was swollen and I have a headache.

And I am joining the ranks…I had an endoscopy yesterday morning and since then I have been sneezing uncontrollably and my left eye and nose are dripping, also uncontrollably. My left eye is swollen. When the surgery center called to see how I was doing I told her but she said she’d never heard of it and to call the doctor’s office if it didn’t get better. I am hopeful that it will go away but it is VERY uncomfortable, as you all here know. Thank you for writing this thread, at least I know I’m not completely crazy!

Same thing. I had no signs of a cold when I went in for my colonoscopy this morning and started to sneeze and had a runny nose before I left the surgical center. I had never heard of any possibility of a runny nose as an adverse effect of a colonoscopy! Which of course it isn’t as it is from the oxygen tube. I’ll be watching this list to see what the solution is and meanwhile I’ll try the Flonase, saline nasal spray and the neosporin though I don’t know why that last one in particular would work. I’ll check back in to let you know what works or seems to work and when. Thank you for your comments as I wouldn’t have known about this effect with this list.